Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (2024)

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Today I'm going to share the Quick and Easy Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad recipe with you. It's light, fresh, and made with a few simple ingredients such as canned tuna, mayonnaise, onion, and celery. It’s the perfect combination of creamy and crispy. Serve this in a sandwich, wrap it in lettuce, or stuff it in avocado halves for a healthy, low-carb quick lunch.

Whenever I need an easy lunch, I turn to a tuna salad recipe. Besides being delicious, it's packed with protein and keeps me satisfied for hours.

One of the Best Jimmy Johns Copycat Recipes

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • What is Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad?
  • Why Make Jimmy John's Tuna Salad Copycat Recipe?
  • What Is Tuna?
  • Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Ingredients
  • Steps to Prep Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Top Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
  • Food safety
  • Jimmy John's Tuna Salad

What is Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad?

Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad is a recipe developed by the popular sandwich chain. It's made up of tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and onions and is usually served with a slice of bread, or over lettuce.

This dish is a good option for those looking for a healthier alternative to fast food. Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthier option than some of the other options on Jimmy johns menu at fraction of the cost.

The secret ingredient in this healthy salad is soy sauce. The second secret is to let the salad sit for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible, to get the best taste!

Why Make Jimmy John's Tuna Salad Copycat Recipe?

Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Copycat Recipe is ideal for anyone looking to eat healthier because it provides a good source of protein without a lot of fat. Furthermore, it is simple enough that anyone can make it. And the best part? Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to please.

You can serve this salad in different ways. A great way to serve it is to spread it on slices of whole wheat bread or white bread (for a classic tuna salad sandwich), try it in tortillas (make a wrap!) ,French bread, or scoop it with some pita chips.

Other delicious way to enjoy this tuna salad is to serve it with Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes, Air Fried Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, and Jalapeno peppers.

Want a low carb meal? Are you on a low calorie diet? Serve it on a bed of lettuce, or simply eat from the bowl with some vegetables on the side. Yummy!

What Is Tuna?

If you're not familiar with tuna, it's In fact, tuna is the culinary king of the sea. It's meaty and versatile, and because it's high in (good) fat and protein, it's an important part of many people's diets around the world.

Tuna comes in a variety of species, can be prepared in a variety of ways, and plays an important role in the cuisines of many different countries. Once you try it, you'll always try it in your own culinary adventures.

You Just Need a Few Ingredients for the Tastiest Salad!

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (2)

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Ingredients

You only need the following ingredients to make this easy recipe. I guarantee it will be the best tuna salad you've ever tasted!

  • Tuna: You will need canned tuna. Any variety of tuna works. A great option is Wild Planet albacore tuna. You can use yellowfin tuna, chunk light tuna, or solid light tuna.
  • Mayo: This is what binds everything together and makes the salad super creamy. I used duke's mayo.
  • Celery: Adds a fresh crunch!
  • Onions: Onions add a nice bite to the salad! You can use red onion or white onion.
  • Soy sauceor liquid amino: Something about soy sauce makes tuna salad extra delicious. It's the secret ingredient in this salad. If you don't have soy sauce, you can use liquid amino.
  • Salt and black pepper: Add a pinch of each to bring out all of the flavors in the salad.

See the recipe card for quantities.

This Healthy Salad Will Make Your Taste Buds Sing!

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (3)

Steps to Prep Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe

First, take the tuna and squeeze it over the sink handful by the handful until the water is almost completely gone.

The next step of our copycat Jimmy Johns is to combine in a medium bowl tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced white onion, soy sauce, and black pepper.

Then, stir all of the ingredients together until well combined.

Finally, enjoy the tuna salad in a freshly baked French sub roll.

The perfect combination of Creamy and Crispy

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (4)

Substitutions

  • Low carb: Instead of enjoying your tuna salad in a sandwich, put some tuna in lettuce wraps and enjoy a low-carb meal.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free sandwiches instead of white bread sandwiches to make this gluten-free.
  • Don't like Mayonnaise? Substitute regular or Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for the mayonnaise.

Variations

Get creative with your tuna salad and enjoy it! Here are some ideas:

  • Crunchy: Add some chopped-up green onions for a little crunch.
  • Deluxe: Top your tuna salad with cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped nuts.
  • Sweet: Mix in some diced grapes or apple chunks for sweetness and extra texture.
  • Zingy: For an extra kick, add a spoonful of honey mustard or BBQ sauce.

Hooray for Easy Recipes!

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (5)

Equipment

Knife: You will need a good paring knife to chop up the celery and dice the onions.

Storage

Tuna salad is eaten fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Because it contains fish and mayonnaise, don't leave it on the counter for too long at room temperature.

The Best Tuna Salad You'll Ever Taste!

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (6)

Top Tips

  • To cut the calories and fat, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It's a healthy alternative.
  • You can add some pasta like bowtie or penne to Jimmy John’s Tuna Salad to add texture and heartiness.
  • Allowing this tuna salad with celery to sit for 3 hours or overnight gives the flavors and chance to mingle and creates an even tastier sandwich. So, if you have the time, let your salad sit before digging in!
  • Iceberg lettuce tastes great with this salad. You can simply eat it with lettuce leaves.
  • You can adddill pickle relish for added flavor.
  • If you have tuna salad leftovers, it's better to store them in a glass container and not a plastic one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What does tuna taste like?

Tuna tastes very different depending on the species, the form it takes, and how it is prepared. However, there are some fundamental characteristics that run through all of its manifestations. When raw, rare, or packed in oil, tuna is meaty and dense, with an almost creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I make this tuna salad ahead of time?

Tuna salad can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It will taste even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to mingle.

What's the best tuna to use in this recipe?

I enjoy the convenience of canned tuna and always keep a few cans on hand. I like to use albacore tuna because the chunks don't break up and get lost in the other ingredients. It has light flesh with a mild flavor.

Is canned tuna healthy?

Yes, canned tuna is a great source of protein that also contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including B-complex vitamins, vitamins A and D, iron, selenium, and phosphorus. Tuna also contains good fats.

What kind of mayo does Jimmy John's use?

Jimmy John's uses Hellman's mayo.

Crunchy Bits of Yummy Goodness

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (7)

Food safety

  • Don't leave the tuna salad sitting at room temperature for a long time since it contains tuna and mayonnaise.

Irresistible Copycat Jimmy John's Tuna Recipe

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (8)

If you’ve tried this recipe or any other recipe on Sourandsweets, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience with my recipes. Please share it with me onInstagram.

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (9)

Jimmy John's Tuna Salad

Jay

This is Jimmy John's Tuna Salad Copycat Recipe with an incredible crunch in every bite. It is suitable for children's lunches as well as office lunches too. Give it a-go!

4.10 from 55 votes

Tried this recipe?Mention @sourandsweets or tag #sourandsweets!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 187 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cans tuna 2 (5-ounce)
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • ¼ cup celery diced (2 -3 stalks celery)
  • 1 small onion diced
  • ¼ cup soy sauce or liquid amino
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Drain the liquid from the tuna cans.

  • In a large bowl, stir together tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced white onion, soy sauce, and black pepper.

  • Stir all of the ingredients together until well combined.

  • Enjoy the tuna salad in a sandwich.

Nutrition: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate only.

Serving: 1servingCalories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 18gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 8159mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 58IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 2mg

Copycat Jimmy Johns Tuna Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why does restaurant tuna salad taste better? ›

The highest-quality tuna is bought fresh from the market or fishmonger, so some restaurants process and cook fresh tuna before incorporating it into the tuna salad. Although time-consuming and expensive, many chefs prefer this approach.

What does Jersey Mike's put in their tuna? ›

Jersey Mike's tuna salad features chopped celery, mayo, and a dash of pepper. The sub is prepared “Mike's Way,” and features onions, lettuce, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil blend, oregano and salt.

What does Martha Stewart put in her tuna salad? ›

directions. Combine tuna, celery, apple, mayonnaise, basil, and lemon juice; mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Is Miracle Whip better than mayo for tuna? ›

More viscous or fluid products may cause a more 'wet' tuna salad.” Less popular for tuna salad among our experts but still mayo MVPs, Kewpie and Miracle Whip both have distinct flavors that don't work as well with tuna, one more savory (Kewpie) and one sweeter (Miracle Whip).

Which tastes better tuna in oil or water? ›

From a nutrition standpoint, water-packed tuna provides you with pure protein and a more subtle tuna flavor. Oil-packed tuna, on the other hand, has a softer texture and stronger tuna flavor. Both water-packed and oil-packed are excellent sources of protein and can be found from sustainable, non-GMO brands.

What is in Jimmy John's tuna sandwich? ›

Our delicious house-made tuna salad and provolone cheese, topped with fresh-sliced lettuce & tomato. Customize with any of your favorite Freebies or Add-ons.

Does Jimmy John's use real tuna? ›

Jimmy John's - yes my tuna is as real as it gets AND made from scratch.

What kind of mayonnaise does Jersey Mike's use? ›

Jersey Mikes Philly Cheesesteak at Home. Cheesesteaks.

What tuna does Ina Garten use? ›

To make Garten's Ultimate Tuna Melts, forgo your traditional canned tuna and opt for Spanish tuna instead. According to Garten, Spanish tuna is packed in olive oil and is “absolutely delicious.” “It's moist,” she adds, “and the flavor is fantastic.”

What brand mayo is best for tuna salad? ›

Consider products like Hellmann's or Duke's, with a more dense and creamy consistency making them ideal for tuna salad. More viscous or fluid products may cause a more 'wet' tuna salad.”

Why do you put vinegar in tuna? ›

Experienced chefs will add some vinegar when cooking tuna. The vinegar can make the protein in the fish react to produce amino acids, which can be more easily absorbed and utilized by the body. In addition, adding vinegar when cooking tuna can remove the fishy smell and make the tuna more delicious.

What can I use to thicken tuna salad? ›

If you don't want to end up with more tuna salad than you can eat before it goes bad, ground nuts and bread crumbs are both options for soaking up the sog. Typically, ground nuts are considered superior because they don't get soggy the way breadcrumbs can. If you've got some cooked pasta on hand, use it.

Why is restaurant mayo so much better? ›

Much of it boils down to the fact that, when it comes to making dishes with mayonnaise, restaurants often give a hard pass to the typical mayo that home cooks might grab at the grocery store. Instead, they tend to use heavy-duty mayonnaise.

Why is restaurant mayo so good? ›

Heavy mayonnaise is thicker, so it has a different mouthfeel. The restaurant is using better quality ingredients, like fresh egg yolks rather than powdered and better oils or blends of oils.

What is the best tasting tuna for tuna salad? ›

Food Network notes the hearty texture and light flavor of albacore and suggests making tuna salad with a combination of albacore and chunk light. Chunk light contains a mixture of lighter, milder, and generally less-expensive tuna varieties, typically skipjack and yellowfin.

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